Lea: Young versus Stroud debate still too early to have
Posted October 29, 2023 7:52 p.m. EDT
Updated October 29, 2023 8:41 p.m. EDT
Charlotte, N.C. — Wins and losses have become too much of a quarterback stat instead of what it really is: a team stat.
Before the Carolina Panthers hosted the Houston Texans, the world was ready to crown C.J. Stroud as the best rookie quarterback from the 2023 draft because the Texans were 3-3. The Panthers were 0-6 heading into Sunday and 0-5 with Bryce Young as the starter.
Panthers fans have been getting antsy, wondering aloud on social media if the Panthers made the wrong decision at number one overall. If the Panthers did choose Stroud instead of Young, even Stroud would have struggled behind an offensive line that doesn't protect, receivers who don't separate and questionable play-calling and system six games into the season. I said as much on X/Twitter to a fan during the game.
No matter how their careers play out, Young can always say that he won the first head-to-head match up with the Panthers squeaking out a win over the Texans 15-13.
Young can also boast something Stroud can not.
After going 22-for-31 passing for 235 yards in the win, Young became just the third rookie quarterback in NFL history to complete 20+ passes in each of their first six games. Plus, Young has been proven to be the most accurate quarterback in the NFL even though he's often under duress.
Stroud's Texans allowed 13 sacks this season before taking on the Panthers which was 13th in the league. Stroud was only sacked twice by the Panthers.
Young's Panthers allowed 19 sacks in their first six games and six more against the Texans. 22nd in the league before Sunday.
Young and Stroud are playing in two totally different situations with different concerns. It's too early to crown the best quarterback of the class, so we have to wait to let things play out.
With that said, Young is 1-0 against his friend he's had since middle school and will forever have those bragging rights.
Even in a worse situation.
